A roof has to withstand decades of blazing sun, pounding rains and gusty winds. It protects your home and keeps it looking great.
Before the shingles go on, contractors will inspect the flashing at roof valleys and joints, chimneys and skylights, and re-flash the drip edges with galvanized steel to prevent leaks. They’ll also lay an ice and water barrier. For professional help, contact EZ Roofing of Flagler County.
When it comes to roof installation, the right roofing materials can play a big role. This is true for residential as well as commercial properties. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right materials for a roof, including cost, durability, water protection and maintenance needs. It is also important to work with a professional roofing contractor during the process so that your roof is installed correctly.
A common roofing material is asphalt shingles, which come in a variety of colors and styles that can complement any home’s exterior. These shingles are inexpensive and durable and offer excellent water and UV protection. They can last for up to 20 years, and require little maintenance.
Another roofing material that offers superior durability is clay tiles, which are made from terracotta. They are popular in the Southwest and can add a beautiful aesthetic to your home. However, they are extremely heavy and can place a lot of stress on the structure of your home. This can lead to foundation problems and may require a truss system that is more expensive than other options.
Roof leak barriers, which are designed to prevent the infiltration of moisture into your home, are a vital part of any roof installation. These barriers are placed in areas that tend to be more vulnerable to leaks, such as the edges of your roof or around penetrations like chimneys and skylights. They are also commonly used in open valleys, where there is no shingle cover and only an airtight membrane.
Pipe boots and drip edge are two other vital parts of any roofing installation. These are the covers that go over the bases of any pipes that stick out through your roof. This is so they don’t allow moisture or gas to enter your home through these holes in your roof. Drip edge is a special type of flashing that is installed under the first layer of shingles and creates an airtight seal, preventing water from getting underneath the shingles and into your home.
A good quality gutter system is a must-have for any roof. It can help reduce the risk of moisture damage to your house and prevent overheating, which can cause ice damming. Gutters can also be used to prevent rainwater from pooling and causing damage to your foundation or basement.
Installation Method
Once the roofing contractor has obtained a permit, they will begin to prep your home for the new roof installation. They will cover your landscaping with tarps to protect it from debris, and may move movable sculptures and plants into a garage or shed for safety and protection. They will also tarp the driveway and surrounding areas to keep any roof materials from raining onto the ground or blocking your drains. Depending on your roof type, your contractor may need to use power tools or heavy machinery to remove the old roof.
Next, the crew will install any needed flashings. These are thin metal pieces that cover cracks or gaps in the shingles and prevent water leaks around chimneys, skylights, and vents. They will also replace or cut new drip edges along the edge of the roof. They will also repair or replace any roof penetrations such as pipe or vents with new flashing and sealants. In addition, a new ridge cap is installed, ensuring the shingles are secure at the top of your roof.
Once the flashing and underlayment are in place, your roofers will lay the first course of shingles. They will start at the bottom and work their way up, overlapping each row by six inches. They will also nail each shingle at least four to six inches apart, with closer nails near the edges and more spread out towards the middle of the roof.
After the first row is complete, they will add a second layer of shingles. The second shingle will be nailed to the underlying layers of underlayment with a close-to-the-edge nailing pattern and more space between rows as they get further away from the center. This will ensure that your shingles don’t buckle or curl as they grow older.
Finally, the shingle layer will be secured with a waterproof WeatherMaster sealant. This will be applied to all valleys, transitions, walls, vents, and penetrations. Replacement galvanized metal vents and pipe flashings will also be installed at this time, as well as a new ridge vent for ventilation.
Weather
The weather conditions that prevail during roof installation affect the speed and quality of the completed project. High winds can be dangerous to work in, and rain can halt the roofing process and expose your home to water damage. To mitigate these risks, the ideal day to install a new roof is a clear one without any wind or rain.
The temperature also affects how materials react during roof replacement. Extreme heat can cause the materials to become brittle and difficult to handle. In this scenario, the roofing crew must take extra care to ensure that the materials are properly handled and stored to maintain their integrity. It is important to avoid scheduling a roof installation during the peak heat hours of the summer, which typically occur between noon and 4 pm.
Cold temperatures present their own set of challenges during roof installation. To mitigate these effects, the roofing contractor may use heaters to warm the materials and ensure that they adhere properly. They may also use specialized adhesives and sealants designed to withstand colder temperatures. In addition, workers must wear heavy clothing and gloves during colder weather, which can limit their mobility and dexterity.
Hail can also present a significant challenge during roof installation. Although it is rare, large hail can cause major damage to the roof. If the roof is not sufficiently insulated, hail can penetrate through the shingles and crush support structures, such as trusses.
While the benefits of a new roof are obvious, there are many other advantages to hiring a local roofing company for your next home improvement project. In-region roofers are familiar with the unique weather constraints of your region and can help you plan for a smoother, more efficient roofing experience. In addition, in-region roofers offer comprehensive warranties on their services that cover any damage that might occur during the first few seasons after your new roof is installed.
Safety
Safety measures are essential during roof installation, and workers must be familiar with the specific requirements for each work zone. For example, areas less than 6 feet from the edge of the roof are considered high-danger zones, and stringent safety protocols must be followed. This ensures that workers are protected from falls while working on the roof. Additionally, different roofing operations require different types of safety equipment. Effective supervision is vital in ensuring that these standards are met and enforced consistently.
It is also important for workers to be able to communicate effectively, especially when working in constrained spaces or on irregular surfaces. Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks can help facilitate open communication among workers and provide a forum for discussing safety concerns or issues that may arise during a job.
A thorough risk assessment should be conducted before starting any roofing project, and managers should then determine the best safety measures to implement. This will typically involve choosing between guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so managers will need to be creative in designing a fall protection plan that is tailored to the specific needs of their facility.
Regardless of which type of fall protection is chosen, workers should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes eye and hearing protection, and a respirator when using compressed air. Workers should also be trained in the proper care, inspection, and use of all PPE.
When working on a roof, it is also important for workers to maintain three points of contact with the surface at all times. This means using both hands and both feet when climbing ladders, or two feet and one hand when standing on the roof. This practice reduces the risk of falling off the roof or becoming tangled in power lines.
Finally, workers should be aware of the presence of electrical hazards and stay clear of them at all times. If a worker comes across an unknown wire, they should contact the utility company before touching it. Otherwise, they should call a electrician to have it safely repaired or disconnected.